98 
ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

attain so high a degree of eminence, to render themselves 
so worthy of admiration, had not the materials upon which 
to exercise their surpassing talents heen abundantly fur- 
nished by industrious collaborators. The spirit of emula- 
tion should animate the inferior as well as superior func- 
tionaries of the temple of science; each one ministering at her 
altar should be zealous in discharging the duties of his station, 
for rank and dignity are apportioned as they are merited. All 
who can observe may render their services available, by re- 
cording the result of their observations, and thus contribute to 
the establishment of a common repository, readily accessible 
to those gifted individuals, to whom exclusively appertains 
the power to generalize effectually. 
By taking a retrospective view of his profession, and fully 
comprehending the obstacles which have been overcome, the 
difficulties over which it has triumphed, the pharmaceutist 
will understand the means by which it has gradually assumed 
a position among the most estimable of which civilization can 
boast. If it be found that a high order of talent has been 
occupied with its details, it will, at the same time, be appa- 
rent, that indefatigable perseverance has been most effectual 
in bestowing so elevated a stand. Numerous examples might 
be cited to show, that discoveries the most remarkable, re- 
corded on the pages of its annals, have been effected by the 
protracted exertions, not of one, but of many investigators ; 
one or two of the most striking will be sufficient for illustra- 
tion. Thus, the elaborate researches of Pelletier and Ca- 
ventou, which eventuated in the entire development of the 
constituent principles of Cinchona, were preceded by those of 
Gomez, of Duncan, and of others still more antecedent; and 
the merit of having led the way in the detection of the ingre- 
dients of opium, is due to Derosne, Sertuerner, and Seguin, 
while by Robiquet, Pelletier, Dumas, and Couerbe, have 
they been fully revealed, and made subservient to use. Such 
instances are not to be disregarded, as from them can be de- 
rived ample encouragement to make known novel phenomena, 
under whatever circumstances occurring, as sooner or later 
they will be correctly interpreted. 
